Orc PvP Template

Not sure if this was suppose to go to UHall, Siege, or here... So I rolled a 1d6.

I've recently returned to UO (and probably more-so around the forums), with just enough time in game to understand the system again. So time to take on some challenges... Along with factions I've decided to try out a RP Orc on Siege.

With that in mind, I've been contemplating various PvP capable templates... Some basic 'rules' (and personal taste) for this template are:

Weapon Skill: As I will be fighting on foot, I will most likely need range or at very least a form of dismounting. Luckily all weapon skills provide a weapon with the dismount ability; with stealth I should be able to sneak up to someone in order to dismount them, even with melee (on Siege, auto-detect only works right up close... not half a screen away). However, since my high-end PvP experience is either 8 years out of date or on an overpowered Test Server, I'm fairly clueless on the specifics here.

- Archery: Certainly seems useful for an orc without a mount... Means my position is only somewhat relative. I'm not much for crossbows, but the heavy cross bow seems great for getting the job done (dismount & moving shot).

- Swords: I won't have the option to use many swords / halberds etc. Axes are about the only option here (along with cutlass and scimitar)... And while axes are very orcish in character, I fear I would probably cut myself short with this one.

- Fencing: I've got access to all weapons here. some of the weapons such as the spear look very cool (and tribal) and would work well for RP purposes... However I'd need a dismounting weapon which means a Lance (most useless weapon in game?) or a Pitch Fork; not too sexy, even for an Orc!

- Maces: Access to most of the weapons... Wands and Clubs are dismount options. Wands are for fairies, not Orcs (we are much more stylish!). Clubs are ugly as sin, but work for Orc roleplay. They also allow shadow strike (hide after attack) which could certainly come in handy. There are some other good Wompin' weapons as well... Plus, you've gotta love the word "Womp."

Healing/Anatomy: This is very interesting to me, but only if I can actually fit it into the template; ~200 points is a lot, but will offer a way to keep myself alive and dish some additional damage.

Ninjitsu: I figured this might be good for death strike and getting around with, though I'm not sure if Animal Form will be too far out of character (certainly won't use it for fighting/RPing)...

Bushido: Could be very useful, but again only if I can actually fit it into my template. Confidence could provide some additional healing, and evasion is ideal for mages. Lightening strike is always nice as well. However, would I guess I would need to cram Parry into this build as well(?).

Meditation: Probably more of a luxury... But I imagine a very useful one. Being on foot, I imagine I will depend highly on my weapon specials, and thus blow mojo like a mofo. This plus a high Mana Leech weapon will probably be very useful if I can fit it in.

Spell Resistance: I imagine this is very important... While Hide/Stealth may mean it's not *as* needed, I can't imagine much worse than being on foot and being paralyzed. Again, my experience here is extremely limited, the last I played UO this skill actually reduced damage () so I'm up for opinions.

Poisoning: I have decided that the poisoning skill does not interest me much... 100 precious and hard-fought skill points being nullified by a cure potion seems somewhat disheartening to me.

Aside from this... Crafting does not interest me (too many points). So I'm looking for strictly PvP oriented, not *too* dependent on great equipment or items (with the exception of a good weapon/item which I can Siege Bless)... Bandages, arrows and some potions would all I'd really want to rely on (is there much else?).

Please let me know what you think a decent build could be for this character, that wouldn't simply allow an almost dead prey simply ride away into the distance.

Sorry if this is somewhat disorganized, long winded, etc... What can I say? I'm an Orc.

I say go with the Ninjitsu. Orcs are often associated with the dark fae/goblinkind in the sources that influenced Ultima, and many of those include shapechangers in their upper ranks. It would also work well going for a "oriental goblin" type of Orc role-play (especially if you make an effort to go for exceptionally crafted metal armor from Samurai Empire, which does not interfere with mana regen - and will make you look the part of an Oni or AD&D Hobgoblin).

The animal forms will also allow you to keep up with mounted opponents, but I'd deliberately NOT use forms that have "elf" connotations (the Cu sidhe form from the talisman, even though it would help you in the health area).

You'll probably want to have Spirit speak, or use a lot of potions for healing. In fact, going for the evil orc witch doctor motif, you could take necro and spirit speak, giving you healing from SS, and allowing you to go to a demonic form (horrific beast is fun in melee, but prevents you from spellcasting)

If you're wanting to RP Orc, you don't have to bow to the skill min-max gods - build a template to fit your needs - and you might even surprise a few people (like I did in alliance dueling in normal equipment - I killed 3 PvP build characters with a Legendary Smith - with 120 macing, and using a mace to disarm their bows before delivering a beatdown they did not soon forget).

Interesting take on Ninjitsu; hadn't thought about it quite like that. It seems like a pretty good utility skill anyway, and I guess death strike is suppose to be pretty powerful.

I have little (no) experience with the new Spirit Speak skill, so can't say I really know how it works, but I've heard it can be alright for healing; guess it's worth giving a run on Test to see how I like it.

As for necromancy I'm not too sure; it's another skill that I have yet to play around with, so I suppose I am somewhat bias in that regard. Lots of things to trial run before I finalize this.

I'm not exactly looking for a min-max character, but I definately what something that can hold it's own; just a solid template (with the afore mentioned rule-set). I'd hate to work my pants off for months on end for a somewhat gimped red character. Yes, RP is the objective; but part of that RP may consist of attacking/killing trespassers. A toe to toe duel is one thing, but trying to chase down a mounted trespasser that may be more interested in keeping his 'honor' rather than a 'fair' fight may a different story. I guess that is my main concern; walking in the dust of mounted opponents... The more I think about it, the better that Heavy Crossbow looks.

Stratics Veteran

As you go with Stealth, I'd recommend a weapon that has the Shadow Strike special move. If you like axes, that would be the Two-handed Axe. I'd also recommend a second axe (for example, a Hatchet) with disarming or armor ignore attack. Axes are two-handed weapons, I'd go with Parrying and Bushido as additional skills. To my opinion, the Bushido melee fighters are the best die-hard templates. Difficult to bring one down, if he uses his skills and spells wisely. This would boil down to the following skills:

Went with fencing mainly because someone was kind enough to give me some pretty good daggers, and the only axes I could get were slow and non-magical.

It's also fairly easy to train up a different weapon skill if I change my mind within the next week or so (which I will definately be considering).

Ninjitsu was more attractive to me for Death Strike... I'm not sure how fast I can use that and then dismount (or in what order) but that should keep the enemy around long enough to get a decent fight out of 'em.

For the time being, I'm just checking out what seems like the best weapon skill for my needs.

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